The entire costanera is lined with a nice sidewalk and big leafy trees that arch over the street.   The view of the river is wide open, where you will mainly see sailboats, ferries, and the odd cargoboat.  At different spots along the costanera are clusters of cafes and restaurants, most of them with a view of the water making it an ideal place to have lunch or coffee followed by an afternoon stroll.  If you like to jog, this is also a prime spot for jogging – the air is fresh and there are never that many people.

Getting to the costanera can be a bit tricky, especially the loop at the end, which is the nicest part.  You can either take a taxi, or if you are familiar with the colectivos, the 160 and 37B will get you there as well.

Tierra Santa can also be found in the costanera norte, which is a theme park created to tell the story of the bible.  Although not of much interest for adults, it can be fun for kids, assuming you are somewhat religious.

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Guided tours are offered in English from Tuesday through Sunday.   For more information, visit: http://museoevita.org/en/

There is also a restaurant/café with a really nice café, perfect for a sit-down after going through the museum.

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If you have already seen the permanent collection, the MALBA also has temporary exhibits, to showcase modern art from around the world.  There is also a movie theatre that is used to show independent films.

Although the museum is not that large, the museum collection is made up of around 400 pieces of art from 160 artists.  Just like any good contemporary art museum, the collection of art in the MALBA includes much more than just paintings.  There are sculptures, drawings, recordings, collages, and photographs.

For prices and hours, visit: http://www.malba.org.ar/ Wednesdays are 1/3 of the regular prices, and tend to be less busy than weekends, making it the optimal day to go.

Bottom Line: Not a world class museum, but it is the best Argentina has to offer with regards to Contemporary Art.  If you like this type of art, it is worth a visit.

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The most popular reason that people attend the planetarium is for the shows, where they talk about something related to astronomy while projecting images/films on the roof of the domed planetarium.  These shows are ok; the information is interesting, but can often drag on.  They also have small exhibitions, and throughout the year, the planetarium is open on weekend nights for star gazing, dependent on weather.   This is well done, and can be a great experience for children (and adults) who are interested in looking into space.  If you are from the northern hemisphere, you may enjoy the opportunity to learn more about what you see in the sky from the southern hemisphere.

Also on weekend afternoons is a theatrical production of The Little Prince, which combines the technology of the planetarium with theatre to tell the story of the Little Prince.  It is a fun show for children, and well-worth watching.

Unfortunately, if you do not speak Spanish, there isn´t much point in visiting the planetarium.  All events are done in Spanish.

Bottom Line: Only worth visiting if you speak Spanish and have children, or you really want to learn more about astronomy.

Av. Sarmiento y Figueroa Alcorta
4771 9393
http://www.planetario.gov.ar

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For most people, the park is nothing more than a pretty and relaxing place to wander around.  The garden is full of large trees, casting a beautiful sunray effect on sunny days.  There are also many beautiful sculptures and fountains, and park benches where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere.   Although there is some green grass, its not like most parks than have lots of open space for picnics or for kids running around.

Unfortunately, the park is bordered by Las Heras and Santa Fe, meaning there is no escape from the sound of heavy traffic.  There are also dozens of cats that have been abandoned by their owners, and have taken up the botanical gardens as their new residence.

For those interested in botany, the garden is mucho more than just a nice park.  Not only is there an opportunity to see plant species from around the world, the gardens also offer various courses programs and tours.  This information, including current hours of operation, can be found on their homepage: http://www.jardinbotanico.gov.ar/ The entrance to the garden is free.

Bottom Line: A nice park for wandering around.  Not as nice aesthetically as some other parks in Buenos Aires, but still worth a wonder, and is great for people into botany.

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It is located right off of Plaza Italia, making it very easily accessible, and also has a large parking lot for those who want to drive.  This is also a main vein for many of the buses that go the Buenos Aires provincial.

You can find out all the events that take place in La Rural by visiting their homepage. 

La Rural is also home to the Opera Pampa, a gaucho dinner show.  This is an event that combines dancing, theatre, and gauchos skills, all into one amazing show.

For show times and prices, visit: http://www.operapampa.com.ar

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In the summer, the government has chairs and umbrellas set up for park goers to use, which is free.  There is a small playground, and also a “waterpark” which nothing more than some outdoor showers that spray misty water….a great way to cool off during the scorching Buenos Aires summers.

Parque Las Heras is mostly frequented by the younger crowd, with the majority of people being under 30, except for the section with the free chairs and umbrellas.  It is the most popular park in Palermo for people who want to suntan, and the park is full of people in bathing suits and bikinis, who love to perfect their tans.

The only real downside to the park is that it is right against Av. Las Heras, one of the busier streets in the area.  Unless you go to the opposite side of the park, there is no escaping the unpleasant noise pollution from the Buenos Aires colectivos.

Bottom Line: A great place to go sun-tanning during a hot summer day in Buenos Aires.

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The lagoon is surrounded by a long road, where you will find people doing all kinds of sports – walking, jogging, roller-blading, biking, playing roller-hockey (yes, roller hockey in Buenos Aires!), or just wandering around.   The path is 1.7 km long, and is marked every 100M, making it a great place to go running.  You can rent bikes and rollerblades, so those that don´t have their own can still take part in the activities.

There is also plenty of grass, so it is ideal to lie in the sun or have a picnic.  The park is full of beautiful trees, including palm trees, and is very picturesque.  Should you feel like eating something, the road is lined with parillas, and mini-kiosks.

If all of these weren´t reason enough to go, there is also the Eduardo Sivori museum with a little café in the back.   The museum is usually free, although they will sometimes charge up to $2 pesos depending on what the exhibit is.   The exhibits are always rotating, and are a combination of paintings, sculptures, and drawings, usually with a modern art style.

Bottom Line: One of the nicest parks in the city.  If you want to spend some time in the sun, this is the place to go.

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Palermo

There are probably more foreigners in Palermo than any other part of Capital Federal. This is partly because Palermo is the largest neighborhood, but also because it is a very desirable place to stay. Palermo can be broken down into various sub sections: Palermo Viejo, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Chico, Palermo Soho, Alto Palermo, and Las Cañitas. Each sub-neighborhood is different, and attractive for a different reason. However, Palermo has a number of features that are common throughout all sections.

Pros: Quieter than most areas (unless you´re in Alto Palermo). Cool, trendy neighborhood full of excellent restaurants, bars, and discos. Lots of trees and parks. Great shopping for clothes. Safe. Most parts are easily accessible by bus and subway.

Cons: Rents are increasing very rapidly, and are now some of the most expensive in Buenos Aires. It is a bit far from the Microcentro, and therefore Puerto Madero and San Telmo. Doesn´t have the same grandeur and architectural beauty found in the center.

Recoleta

A very elegant neighborhood that is close to the Microcentro, this has always been a popular place for tourists.

Pros: great shopping, bars, and restaurants. Safe. A stylish, classy feel to it. It is close to nearly everywhere.

Cons: It is very busy with lots of traffic. Cost of living is very high, partly because of rent, but also because the neighborhood in general is expensive. Not that much green space. Can be harder to get around, because most parts are not near a subway. Sometimes a snobby feel to the area.

Monserrat and San Nicolas – Microcentro

This is also known as the Microcentro, and is full of beautiful old buildings. It is made up primarily of government and office buildings, but certain parts also contain some old, classic apartments and houses. It is the political and economical center of the city, and where most of the demonstrations take place.

Pros: very central, easy access to all areas. Not too expensive. Fairly safe. Nice architecture. You are in the lifeline of the city.

Cons: chaotic, lots of traffic, noise, and pollution. Dirty. Not much greenery.

San Telmo

This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, and was once home to the upper class. There are still many old buildings, tucked away beside small cobblestone roads. It has a very bohemian feel to it, as it has become somewhat of an art district, and it is also one of the areas with the most tango. It has it´s own feel to it, like a different little town altogether.

Pros: great atmosphere. Very “local” feel to it, considering the amount of tourists. Beautiful buildings. Lots of good bars and restaurants.

Cons: slightly dangerous. Too many tourists. Expensive. Dirty and chaotic.

Puerto Madero

Walking into Puerto Madero makes you feel as though you´ve walked into a different world. Originally a busy, rundown port, Puerto Madero has been renovated into the most chic and expensive area of the city. The old buildings were kept intact, and have now been renovated into a University, restaurants, bars, and apartments. The area also has various discos, and is one of the places “to be” for those with a little bit of money. It is a very peaceful area, and borders a large park and ecological reserve.

Pros: lots of greenery, very pretty area, quiet and relaxing. Right by a nature reserve. Very safe.

Cons: Very expensive, far and not well connected to the rest of the city.

Belgrano

This used to be a vacation spot for Porteños a few hundred years back, but has now become a very commercial, modern neighborhood with a bit of everything. There are plenty of good restaurants, some nice parks, a few discos, and lots of apartments. It is also a large neighborhood that has been broken down into different parts, and certain areas contain some houses of very wealthy people.

Pros: you will find everything you need. Good restaurants, bars, and shopping. Safe. Lots of parks and greenery.

Cons: Expensive. Far from the center.

Almagro/Once

Two mostly residential neighborhoods, this is where many working class Porteños live.

Pros: cheap. Nice neighborhood feel to it. You get to live with the “real” Argentines. Cheap. Well connected to all parts.

Cons: somewhat dangerous. Poor variety of restaurants, bars, shopping. Very little greenery.

Villa Crespo

Located beside Palermo, this neighborhood is similar to what Palermo used to be like before it became what it is today. Villa Crespo is a nice, quieter residential neighborhood, with lots of trees.

Pros: nice, residential area. Fairly quiet. Good neighborhood feeling. A bit far from the center. Fairly safe. Cheaper than Palermo.

Cons: too quiet. Not many good restaurants or shopping. Not much to offer.

Colegiales

Located beside Palermo, this neighborhood is similar to what Palermo used to be like before it became what it is today. Villa Crespo is a nice, quieter residential neighborhood, with lots of trees.

Pros:Fairly residential, nice neighborhood, cheaper than Palermo and Recoleta.

Cons: too far from the center.  Not a whole lot to offer.

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